Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to design, implement, and manage drilling fluid programs. You will support on-site operations, monitor fluid performance, and optimize mud systems to improve drilling rates while minimizing formation damage.

The role requires a chemical engineering or related degree and 7+ years of hands-on drilling fluids experience, with strong rheology knowledge and solids control familiarity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Petroleum Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in drilling fluids engineering with hands-on exposure.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems, additives, rheology, and chemical properties.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to well objectives and geology.
• Provide on-site technical support and oversight for drilling fluid ops.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and adjust to maintain optimal conditions.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid issues including loss circulation and differential sticking.
• Analyze fluid samples and data to identify improvements.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations for drilling fluids.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment.
• Train and mentor junior drilling fluids personnel.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to clients and teams.
• Stay updated with advancements in drilling fluid technology.

Skills

Drilling fluids engineering

Fluid chemistry

Rheology

Solids control

Wellbore optimization

Field troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Solids control equipment

Drilling fluid testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished service provider within the oil and gas industry, is actively seeking a Senior Drilling Fluids Engineer to join their operational team in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**. This key role involves the design, implementation, and management of drilling fluid systems to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations. The successful candidate will possess a strong technical background in fluid chemistry, rheology, and solids control, coupled with practical experience in diverse drilling environments. You will provide critical technical support to drilling operations, troubleshoot fluid-related challenges, and optimize fluid performance to enhance drilling rates and minimize formation damage. This position requires a dedicated presence in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**, working closely with drilling crews and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage drilling fluid programs tailored to specific well objectives and geological conditions.
• Provide on-site technical support and oversight for drilling fluid operations.
• Monitor drilling fluid properties and performance, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions.
• Troubleshoot drilling fluid issues, including loss circulation, wellbore instability, and differential sticking.
• Analyze drilling fluid samples and performance data to identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations related to drilling fluid handling and disposal.
• Manage inventory of drilling fluid chemicals and equipment, ensuring availability and cost-effectiveness.
• Train and mentor junior drilling fluids personnel.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings and recommendations to clients and internal teams.
• Stay current with advancements in drilling fluid technology and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Petroleum Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in drilling fluids engineering, with significant hands-on operational experience.
• In-depth knowledge of drilling fluid systems, additives, rheology, and chemical properties.
• Experience with various drilling fluid types, including water-based and oil-based muds.
• Familiarity with solids control equipment and techniques.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a drilling operations team.
• Must possess valid work authorization for **South Africa**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development and training. This role provides exposure to a variety of challenging drilling projects. The position is based in **Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal**, offering a dynamic work environment within a respected industry service company.